Our Story

Pennsylvania United is a grassroots group that supports working-class families in Western Pennsylvania through chapters led by its members. We stand against efforts to divide us by race or region and demand that political leaders address the needs of both communities of color and white working-class families, whether they live in cities or rural areas. Our shared goal is to build a strong foundation for progressive organizing, form lasting connections, and unite a multiracial working-class movement to drive change across the state.

Accomplishments

Statewide

In 2020, we ran the nation’s largest volunteer deep canvass, calling over 1 million Pennsylvania voters to help defeat Trump through honest, motivating conversations.

In 2022, we reached 250,000+ voters to elect Josh Shapiro and flip the State House, protecting abortion rights, workers, and democracy.

We’ve also helped over 20 of our members win local office across the state.

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County

Helped elect progressive leaders like congresswoman Summer Lee and County Executive Sarah Innamorato to shift regional political power.

Advocated for sustainable solutions to sewer issues, resulting in a “green-first” plan and securing over $100 million in green infrastructure investment with Our Clean Rivers Campaign.

Passed Paid Sick Days legislation benefiting over 40,000 workers, supported unionization efforts, wage increases, and expanded workers’ rights throughout Allegheny County.

Won $125 million for Whole Home Repairs and increased funding for the Housing Opportunity Fund.

Achieved legal gains with PWSA including protections for low-income residents, shutoff moratoriums, and infrastructure upgrades.

Challenged UPMC’s non-profit, tax-exempt status, and Mayor Ed Gainey opened up an investigation into their non-profit status.

Worked with community members to pause water shutoffs in Wilkinsburg.

Beaver County

Passed an ordinance requiring the county to remove questions about criminal history from county job applications.

Advocated for sustainable solutions to sewer issues, resulting in a “green-first” plan and securing over $100 million in green infrastructure investment with Our Clean Rivers Campaign.

Organized Valley Terrace tenants who had been displaced from their homes due to a prolonged power outage due to mismanagement.

Won $125 million for Whole Home Repairs and increased funding for the Housing O
Organized tenants of Towne Towers to demand safe, sanitary, and accessible housing. In 2024, residents won a new, operating elevator!

Elected Mary Jane Jones-Gilliam to Ambridge City Council in 2021.

Worked with families affected by local gun violence to organize a week-long rally to bring attention to youth violence in 2023.

Members went into our local middle and high schools to give resources about finding jobs, grants for higher education, and trade school options. By providing these resources, youth are able to find their next move after high school, deterring them from violence.

Centre County

Passed a Tenants’ Bill of Rights for State College Borough to ensure renters know their rights and promote housing equity.

After years of community organizing to get outdoor recreation at the county prison, we successfully pushed the Centre County Prison Board to pass an RFQ, which begins the process of ensuring incarcerated people have access to outdoor space.

Elected Central PA United member-leaders Gopal Balachandran, Divine Lipscomb, and Richard Biever to State College Borough Council in 2021, and elected Matt Herndon to State College Borough Council in 2023.

Crawford County

Over two election cycles, we elected a majority to Meadville City Council, allowing us to pass transformative legislation for renters such as a rental inspection program to ensure safe housing, and passed an anti-retaliation ordinance that protects renters when they speak up for their rights.

Created a public ambulance service to protect the health and safety of Meadville residents from price gouging by private ambulance companies.

Meadville formed an environmental advisory committee.

Erie County

Divested $1 million from City of Erie Police and reallocated that money to local Rodger Young Park.

Passed a Ceasefire Resolution to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Elected members Dr. Leatra Tate and Lauren Gillespie to Erie School Board in 2021.

Elected member Jasmine Flores to Erie City Council in 2021, and she then went on as the first Latina Erie City Council President.

Westmoreland County

After years of pressuring the County Commissioners, $3 million of American Rescue Plan funds were assigned to mental health programs, services for homeless residents, and job training efforts.

Held vaccine drives during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of access in Westmoreland County.

In 2023, members, Shannon Santucci and Aaron Moore, won their elections in Arnold. Shannon Santucci was sworn in as mayor, and Aaron Moore was sworn in as the first Black man on Arnold City Council!

Our Values

Pennsylvania United believes that we can achieve more by coming together, whether that’s in our individual communities or across Western PA.

Our members and staff are ready to go all in to win issue campaigns, win elections, and build power for working-class people all over Pennsylvania. Join Us.

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